KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is appealing to residents in flood-affected areas to evacuate to temporary relief centres (PPS).
Its chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas made appeal after visiting the flood victims at the Surau Nur Hidayah temporary centre in Kampung Batu Kitang Jaya and the SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa centre last night (Feb 28).
“Those in flood affected areas, I appeal to them to be prepared to vacate their homes when they are asked by the authorities. After all, it is for their own safety.
“We do not know how high the flood waters will rise and for how long the waters will remain.
“So, for the sake of their safety, we appeal to everyone. Hence, when there is a directive to evacuate to the relief (PPS) centres, please do so,” he said.
Village heads, community leaders and village development and security committees (JKKKs) must also cooperate to make ensure the safety of the flood victims, he said.
At 9.30 am today, there were 124 victims from 26 families sheltering at the Surau Nur Hidayah PPS in Kampung Batu Kitang Jaya and 80 victims from 19 families sheltering at the SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa PPS.
During his visit to the PPS centres, Uggah expressed his satisfaction with the assistance provided for the victims by rescue agencies and government agencies.
“This is the team spirit needed in Sarawak whereby the committee at the division and district levels have the experience to face a flood crisis such as this.
“On behalf of the Premier of Sarawak, I extend my gratitude to all who have helped the flood victims.”
Asked on the next action plan should the floods continue for days or weeks, Uggah said SDMC has already identified areas that are flood prone and is ensuring that relief centres are well prepared.
“Instructions on preparations for the current situation have been issued to government departments and agencies at division and district levels,” he added.
